Last month, hip-hop star Chance the Rapper, discouraged after meetings and calls with the Illinois governor about the financial crisis facing Chicago public schools, took matters into his own hands. In a press conference at an elementary school a few block from where he grew up, Chance pledged $1 million of the proceeds from his tour to prevent the early closure of countless schools in the Chicago area.
His act of generosity encouraged many to realize that if the government wasn’t going to properly fund these schools, the private sector would have to pick up the slack. And as a result, the schools of Chicago find themselves the beneficiary of another $1 million gift, courtesy of the Chicago Bulls.
Much as he did for his initial donation, Chance had the pleasure of making another appearance at a Chicago school to announce the Bulls’ donation:
Chance said at the event, “It is my job, just as who I am, to bring light and attention to public school funding, broken formulas and especially how it affects my hometown where 90 percent are minority students.”
In addition to the $2 million pledged by Chance and the Bulls (of which over $100,000 has already been distributed to ten needy schools), $200,000 has also been raised via smaller private donations from individuals and corporations.
The success of the effort led Chance to use the press conference to announce the creation of his new foundation, The New Chance Arts And Literature Fund, which will raise money for schools whose five-year graduation rates fall below the city’s average. Upon the announcement of the effort, he said, "We all know that Illinois' education system is one of the most underfunded in the nation, which has forced Chicago Public Schools to make drastic cuts to the classroom. As a parent and a proud CPS graduate, I'm committed to helping Chicago's children have quality learning experiences and quality in the learning space."
If you’re interested in helping Chance in his commitment, he is in the market for an intern to help him in his fight.
Grieving couple comforting each other
This response to someone grieving a friend might be the best internet comment ever
When someone is hit with the sudden loss of a friend or loved one, words rarely feel like enough. Yet, more than a decade ago, a wise Redditor named GSnow shared thoughts so profound they still bring comfort to grieving hearts today.
Originally posted around 2011, the now-famous reply was rediscovered when Upvoted, an official Reddit publication, featured it again to remind everyone of its enduring truth. It began as a simple plea for help: “My friend just died. I don't know what to do.”
What followed was a piece of writing that many consider one of the internet’s best comments of all time. It remains shared across social media, grief forums, and personal messages to this day because its honesty and metaphor speak to the raw reality of loss and the slow, irregular path toward healing.
Below is GSnow’s full reply, unchanged, in all its gentle, wave-crashing beauty:
Why this advice still matters
Mental health professionals and grief counselors often describe bereavement in stages or phases, but GSnow’s “wave theory” gives an image more relatable for many. Rather than a linear process, grief surges and retreats—sometimes triggered by a song, a place, or a simple morning cup of coffee.
In recent years, this metaphor has found renewed relevance. Communities on Reddit, TikTok, and grief support groups frequently reshare it to help explain the unpredictable nature of mourning.
Many readers say this analogy helps them feel less alone, giving them permission to ride each wave of grief rather than fight it.
Finding comfort in shared wisdom
Since this comment first surfaced, countless people have posted their own stories underneath it, thanking GSnow and passing the words to others facing fresh heartbreak. It’s proof that sometimes, the internet can feel like a global support group—strangers linked by shared loss and hope.
For those searching for more support today, organizations like The Dougy Center, GriefShare, and local bereavement groups offer compassionate resources. If you or someone you know is struggling with intense grief, please reach out to mental health professionals who can help navigate these deep waters.
When grief comes crashing like the ocean, remember these words—and hang on. There is life between the waves.
This article originally appeared four years ago.